Veteran midfielder and World Cup participant with the Mexican national team, Ramón Ramírez, was reportedly released from his contract with Club Deportivo Chivas USA on Monday afternoon. Due to an unspecified family matter, the Chivas USA captain won't play in MLS this season.
According to Los Angeles local media (La Opinión and 1020 AM radio), Ramirez's departure was triggered when the team was unable to provide the necessary immigration visa for his children's nanny. After this unexpected development, Ramirez opted to return to Mexico and give up his aspirations as the leader of the new MLS expansion team, before having to look for another nanny. This report was not confirmed by club officials.
Ramírez played three exhibition games with Chivas USA. With him they defeated UCLA 5-0, but lost the next two games against the U.S. national team (7-0) and later against San José (3-0).
Ramírez has also been released from his contract with Club Deportivo Guadalajara in Mexico. He will return to his native country in the next few days. Ramírez's departure, will open a senior international slot (24 or older) on the Chivas USA roster.
Rene Romano is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
